Teens, Drugs and Driving‘Under the influence’ includes drug use

Like most parents, you have probably talked to your kids about the dangers of drinking and driving. How about drugs and driving? Over the past twenty years, drinking and driving campaigns have made that dangerous behavior socially unacceptable. Most teens know not to get in a car after drinking, or with an impaired driver. Your teens will call you if they need a ride home. However, the latest growing trend for teens is to smoke a joint and grab the car keys.

Drug use among drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes rivals that of alcohol use.

- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 2000-2008

We underestimate the impact that drugs have on driving abilities. According to a U.S. study by Students Against Destructive Decisions, 19 per cent of teen drivers report having driven under the influence of cannabis (marijuana). More than a third (36 per cent) of those did not believe that smoking marijuana impaired their driving.

Here in Canada, one in five teens aged 16 to 18 admits to having driven after using cannabis. This is higher than the 19.6 per cent who reported driving after alcohol use. Boys are more likely than girls to drive after using marijuana. The rate is 15.3 per cent of boys, compared nine per cent of girls.

Do teens think they won’t get caught?

The Criminal Code of Canada states that it is a criminal offence to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a drug. If police believe a person has committed this offence, they may request a blood and/or breath sample. It is also an offence to fail or refuse to comply with the request without a reasonable excuse.

Some compelling statistics

In 2007, British Columbia reported 339 collisions involving drugs.

301 of these were injury collisions and 38 were fatal.
Of the 510 victims, 467 were injured and 43 killed.

Drug related collisions occurred more often in residential areas.

- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse,
2000-2008

Most provinces have legislation that includes tougher penalties and mandatory tests for drivers suspected of taking drugs. A driver found to be impaired during a roadside test will be required to provide a sample of body fluids. Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol now face significant fines.

Research by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse suggests that cannabis is the illegal drug most often involved with drugged driving. This pattern is found in Canada and in other parts of the world.

Young people who use drugs and drive may be at particular risk of accident. Not only do they have less driving experience, they are more likely to take risks.

What can you do to help your child make the right choices?

Cannabis affects depth perception, attention span and concentration, slows reaction time, and lowers muscle strength and hand steadiness — all of which can affect the ability to drive safely.

- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse,
2000-2008

A good first step is having a meaningful conversation with your kids. Discuss the additional dangers of drugs when a vehicle is involved.

Let your kids know about the growing trend of drugs and driving. Cannabis or any kind of drug is no less dangerous than alcohol. Driving is a challenging activity at the best of times, let alone under the influence.

Talk to your kids about strategies to avoid situations where they could put their lives, and those of their friends, in danger. Remind them to never get in a car driven by someone who has taken drugs.

Your involvement makes a big difference

What can you do that works?

Parents must set clear expectations with their teens about safe driving.

Parents need to establish and enforce consequences if the rules are not met.

The U.S. study found that parenting rules for car use can cut down on car crashes, speeding, and distracted driving among teens. Suggested family rules for teen drivers include:

No driving on expressways.

A reasonable curfew.

No use of alcohol or other drugs (a family zero tolerance).

No distractions while driving. This includes eating, changing CDs, handling iPods and putting on makeup. No cell phone use allowed, including text messaging. Pull over to use the cell phone. Some provinces have legislation that bans the use of cell phones or other distracting devices while driving.

Passengers have pull

Teens seem less concerned about riding in a car with a driver who has used marijuana than with one who has used alcohol. However, passengers play a significant role. Most teen drivers say they would stop driving under the influence of marijuana (90 per cent) or alcohol (94 per cent) if asked to by their friend passengers.

Any conversation regarding a vehicle should include both alcohol and drugs. Do not wait until it is too late to talk with your kids.

The Partnership for a Drug Free Canada creates and disseminates drug education prevention messages across Canada with the help of its multiple media partners.

www.canadadrugfree.org

The PDFC is broadcasting national radio messages to help the public become aware of the dangers of drugged driving.